MQL5 Programming Articles
Study the MQL5 language for programming trading strategies in numerous published articles mostly written by you - the community members. The articles are grouped into categories to help you quicker find answers to any questions related to programming: Integration, Tester, Trading Strategies, etc.
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Continuous futures contracts in MetaTrader 5
A short life span of futures contracts complicates their technical analysis. It is difficult to technically analyze short charts. For example, number of bars on the day chart of the UX-9.13 Ukrainian Stock index future is more than 100. Therefore, trader creates synthetic long futures contracts. This article explains how to splice futures contracts with different dates in the MetaTrader 5 terminal.
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 71): Chart object collection events
In this article, I will create the functionality for tracking some chart object events — adding/removing symbol charts and chart subwindows, as well as adding/removing/changing indicators in chart windows.
Creating a "Snake" Game in MQL5
This article describes an example of "Snake" game programming. In MQL5, the game programming became possible primarily due to event handling features. The object-oriented programming greatly simplifies this process. In this article, you will learn the event processing features, the examples of use of the Standard MQL5 Library classes and details of periodic function calls.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 56): Custom indicator object, get data from indicator objects in the collection
The article considers creation of the custom indicator object for the use in EAs. Let’s slightly improve library classes and add methods to get data from indicator objects in EAs.
Understanding MQL5 Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
As developers, we need to learn how to create and develop software that can be reusable and flexible without duplicated code especially if we have different objects with different behaviors. This can be smoothly done by using object-oriented programming techniques and principles. In this article, we will present the basics of MQL5 Object-Oriented programming to understand how we can use principles and practices of this critical topic in our software.
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 2): The Kumo Breakout System with Ichimoku and Awesome Oscillator
In this article, we create an Expert Advisor (EA) that automates the Kumo Breakout strategy using the Ichimoku Kinko Hyo indicator and the Awesome Oscillator. We walk through the process of initializing indicator handles, detecting breakout conditions, and coding automated trade entries and exits. Additionally, we implement trailing stops and position management logic to enhance the EA's performance and adaptability to market conditions.
Developing a robot in Python and MQL5 (Part 1): Data preprocessing
Developing a trading robot based on machine learning: A detailed guide. The first article in the series deals with collecting and preparing data and features. The project is implemented using the Python programming language and libraries, as well as the MetaTrader 5 platform.
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 10): Accessing custom indicators
How to access custom indicators directly in an Expert Advisor? A trading EA can be truly useful only if it can use custom indicators; otherwise, it is just a set of codes and instructions.
Canvas based indicators: Filling channels with transparency
In this article I'll introduce a method for creating custom indicators whose drawings are made using the class CCanvas from standard library and see charts properties for coordinates conversion. I'll approach specially indicators which need to fill the area between two lines using transparency.
Calculating mathematical expressions (Part 2). Pratt and shunting yard parsers
In this article, we consider the principles of mathematical expression parsing and evaluation using parsers based on operator precedence. We will implement Pratt and shunting-yard parser, byte-code generation and calculations by this code, as well as view how to use indicators as functions in expressions and how to set up trading signals in Expert Advisors based on these indicators.
Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 08): OnTradeTransaction
In this article, we will see how to use the event handling system to quickly and efficiently process issues related to the order system. With this system the EA will work faster, so that it will not have to constantly search for the required data.
Creating an EA that works automatically (Part 09): Automation (I)
Although the creation of an automated EA is not a very difficult task, however, many mistakes can be made without the necessary knowledge. In this article, we will look at how to build the first level of automation, which consists in creating a trigger to activate breakeven and a trailing stop level.
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 16): Accessing data on the web (II)
Knowing how to input data from the Web into an Expert Advisor is not so obvious. It is not so easy to do without understanding all the possibilities offered by MetaTrader 5.
Building a Custom Market Regime Detection System in MQL5 (Part 1): Indicator
This article details creating an MQL5 Market Regime Detection System using statistical methods like autocorrelation and volatility. It provides code for classes to classify trending, ranging, and volatile conditions and a custom indicator.
Studying PrintFormat() and applying ready-made examples
The article will be useful for both beginners and experienced developers. We will look at the PrintFormat() function, analyze examples of string formatting and write templates for displaying various information in the terminal log.
Deep Learning GRU model with Python to ONNX with EA, and GRU vs LSTM models
We will guide you through the entire process of DL with python to make a GRU ONNX model, culminating in the creation of an Expert Advisor (EA) designed for trading, and subsequently comparing GRU model with LSTM model.
Automated Risk Management for Passing Prop Firm Challenges
This article explains the design of a prop-firm Expert Advisor for GOLD, featuring breakout filters, multi-timeframe analysis, robust risk management, and strict drawdown protection. The EA helps traders pass prop-firm challenges by avoiding rule breaches and stabilizing trade execution under volatile market conditions.
Moving Average in MQL5 from scratch: Plain and simple
Using simple examples, we will examine the principles of calculating moving averages, as well as learn about the ways to optimize indicator calculations, including moving averages.
MQL5 Cookbook: Reducing the Effect of Overfitting and Handling the Lack of Quotes
Whatever trading strategy you use, there will always be a question of what parameters to choose to ensure future profits. This article gives an example of an Expert Advisor with a possibility to optimize multiple symbol parameters at the same time. This method is intended to reduce the effect of overfitting parameters and handle situations where data from a single symbol are not enough for the study.
Building AI-Powered Trading Systems in MQL5 (Part 2): Developing a ChatGPT-Integrated Program with User Interface
In this article, we develop a ChatGPT-integrated program in MQL5 with a user interface, leveraging the JSON parsing framework from Part 1 to send prompts to OpenAI’s API and display responses on a MetaTrader 5 chart. We implement a dashboard with an input field, submit button, and response display, handling API communication and text wrapping for user interaction.
Automating Trading Strategies in MQL5 (Part 31): Creating a Price Action 3 Drives Harmonic Pattern System
In this article, we develop a 3 Drives Pattern system in MQL5 that identifies bullish and bearish 3 Drives harmonic patterns using pivot points and Fibonacci ratios, executing trades with customizable entry, stop loss, and take-profit levels based on user-selected options. We enhance trader insight with visual feedback through chart objects.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 96): Graphics in form objects and handling mouse events
In this article, I will start creating the functionality for handling mouse events in form objects, as well as add new properties and their tracking to a symbol object. Besides, I will improve the symbol object class since the chart symbols now have new properties to be considered and tracked.
Implementing the Deus EA: Automated Trading with RSI and Moving Averages in MQL5
This article outlines the steps to implement the Deus EA based on the RSI and Moving Average indicators for guiding automated trading.
Build Self Optimizing Expert Advisors in MQL5 (Part 6): Self Adapting Trading Rules (II)
This article explores optimizing RSI levels and periods for better trading signals. We introduce methods to estimate optimal RSI values and automate period selection using grid search and statistical models. Finally, we implement the solution in MQL5 while leveraging Python for analysis. Our approach aims to be pragmatic and straightforward to help you solve potentially complicated problems, with simplicity.
Graphics in DoEasy library (Part 91): Standard graphical object events. Object name change history
In this article, I will refine the basic functionality for providing control over graphical object events from a library-based program. I will start from implementing the functionality for storing the graphical object change history using the "Object name" property as an example.
Developing a trading Expert Advisor from scratch (Part 15): Accessing data on the web (I)
How to access online data via MetaTrader 5? There are a lot of websites and places on the web, featuring a huge amount information. What you need to know is where to look and how best to use this information.
Timeseries in DoEasy library (part 49): Multi-period multi-symbol multi-buffer standard indicators
In the current article, I will improve the library classes to implement the ability to develop multi-symbol multi-period standard indicators requiring several indicator buffers to display their data.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit (Part 55): Designing a CPI Mini-Candle Overlay for Intra-bar Pressure
This article presents the design and MetaTrader 5 implementation of the Candle Pressure Index (CPI)—a CLV-based overlay that visualizes intra-Bar buying and selling pressure directly on price charts. The discussion focuses on candle structure, pressure classification, visualization mechanics, and a non-repainting, transition-based alert system designed for consistent behavior across timeframes and instruments.
DoEasy. Controls (Part 15): TabControl WinForms object — several rows of tab headers, tab handling methods
In this article, I will continue working on the TabControl WinForm object — I will create a tab field object class, make it possible to arrange tab headers in several rows and add methods for handling object tabs.
Other classes in DoEasy library (Part 69): Chart object collection class
With this article, I start the development of the chart object collection class. The class will store the collection list of chart objects with their subwindows and indicators providing the ability to work with any selected charts and their subwindows or with a list of several charts at once.
Non-linear indicators
In this article, I will make an attempt to consider some ways of building non-linear indicators and their use in trading. There are quite a few indicators in the MetaTrader trading platform that use non-linear approaches.
Connection of Expert Advisor with ICQ in MQL5
This article describes the method of information exchange between the Expert Advisor and ICQ users, several examples are presented. The provided material will be interesting for those, who wish to receive trading information remotely from a client terminal, through an ICQ client in their mobile phone or PDA.
Risk Management (Part 1): Fundamentals for Building a Risk Management Class
In this article, we'll cover the basics of risk management in trading and learn how to create your first functions for calculating the appropriate lot size for a trade, as well as a stop-loss. Additionally, we will go into detail about how these features work, explaining each step. Our goal is to provide a clear understanding of how to apply these concepts in automated trading. Finally, we will put everything into practice by creating a simple script with an include file.
Mountain or Iceberg charts
How do you like the idea of adding a new chart type to the MetaTrader 5 platform? Some people say it lacks a few things that other platforms offer. But the truth is, MetaTrader 5 is a very practical platform as it allows you to do things that can't be done (or at least can't be done easily) in many other platforms.
Building a Trading System (Part 1): A Quantitative Approach
Many traders evaluate strategies based on short-term performance, often abandoning profitable systems too early. Long-term profitability, however, depends on positive expectancy through optimized win rate and risk-reward ratio, along with disciplined position sizing. These principles can be validated using Monte Carlo simulation in Python with back-tested metrics to assess whether a strategy is robust or likely to fail over time.
Creating an MQL5-Telegram Integrated Expert Advisor (Part 5): Sending Commands from Telegram to MQL5 and Receiving Real-Time Responses
In this article, we create several classes to facilitate real-time communication between MQL5 and Telegram. We focus on retrieving commands from Telegram, decoding and interpreting them, and sending appropriate responses back. By the end, we ensure that these interactions are effectively tested and operational within the trading environment
Ready-made templates for including indicators to Expert Advisors (Part 1): Oscillators
The article considers standard indicators from the oscillator category. We will create ready-to-use templates for their use in EAs - declaring and setting parameters, indicator initialization and deinitialization, as well as receiving data and signals from indicator buffers in EAs.
Price Action Analysis Toolkit Development (Part 13): RSI Sentinel Tool
Price action can be effectively analyzed by identifying divergences, with technical indicators such as the RSI providing crucial confirmation signals. In the article below, we explain how automated RSI divergence analysis can identify trend continuations and reversals, thereby offering valuable insights into market sentiment.
Introduction to MQL5 (Part 15): A Beginner's Guide to Building Custom Indicators (IV)
In this article, you'll learn how to build a price action indicator in MQL5, focusing on key points like low (L), high (H), higher low (HL), higher high (HH), lower low (LL), and lower high (LH) for analyzing trends. You'll also explore how to identify the premium and discount zones, mark the 50% retracement level, and use the risk-reward ratio to calculate profit targets. The article also covers determining entry points, stop loss (SL), and take profit (TP) levels based on the trend structure.
Reimagining Classic Strategies (Part 18): Searching For Candlestick Patterns
This article helps new community members search for and discover their own candlestick patterns. Describing these patterns can be daunting, as it requires manually searching and creatively identifying improvements. Here, we introduce the engulfing candlestick pattern and show how it can be enhanced for more profitable trading applications.